Lillian “Lil” Vail, 89, died on May 9, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina. Born and raised in the Chicago area, she moved to Newtown, Connecticut in 1961 with her husband, Tom, and their young daughters. There, she led an active life as a mother of four and immersed herself in the community. She was an avid sewer and crafter, a passionate baker, and a dedicated member of the Newtown Garden Club and Jaycees. She also served as a 4H leader and generous volunteer. As her children grew older, she returned to the workforce part-time roles at the local pharmacy and the Newtown Bee before becoming a full-time biller at Danbury Hospital.
Following her divorce, she returned to the Chicago area to help care for her parents. She settled in Oak Park and began a second career at Shaker Advertising, where she worked until retiring at age 73. During this time, she became an active member of the Women’s Cooperative and contributed lovingly to Project Linus by making blankets for children.
She cherished her role as a grandmother, traveling across the country to spend time with her grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Gram,” she shared her love through endless crafts, handmade Halloween costumes, babysitting, and bowls of ice cream.
Proud of her Czech heritage, she enjoyed family dinners at Czech restaurants and baking kolachkes. A highlight of her later years was traveling to the Czech Republic with her oldest grandchildren. A devoted Chicago Cubs fan and enthusiastic supporter of sports, she once earned a perfect score in a Danbury bowling league.
Lil is survived by her children, Kathleen Vail (Bob Boster), Nancy Vail (Paul Dinsmore), Lucy Vail (Chris Brown), and Patrick Vail (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Peter, Carolyn, Ellen, Grace, Vinh, Hien, and Stella; her sister, Lucy Goetz (Ken); her brother Chuck Kalat (Janet); and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mom’s angel, Lori Stroili, and the compassionate caregivers at Monarch in Southbury, Connecticut and Silverbell Homestead in Fletcher, North Carolina.
A celebration of life will be held later this year.